Are Canary Islands Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

As a solo female traveler, you can visit Canary Islands with a sense of security. Like many places in Spain, it's generally considered safe with low crime rates. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings, especially during the evening in less crowded areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in touristic spots. On the positive side, locals are generally helpful and respectful. Taking normal precautions should ensure a worry-free trip.

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 3 experiences

4.2 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

The Canary Islands generally boast a relatively low crime rate, making it quite safe for solo female travelers, even at night. However, certain areas, particularly nightlife districts, can become more active after dark. Always take normal safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding isolated areas. It’s also advisable to use a reputable taxi service if traveling longer distances at night.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in the Canary Islands, is generally safe and reliable. Buses and trams are the primary modes of transport and are often used by tourists and locals alike. Stations and vehicles are well-maintained, offering a secure and comfortable travel experience. However, as with any travel destination, it's advisable to stay alert and keep your belongings close to avoid petty theft during peak hours.

Street harassment: Low

In the Canary Islands, it is quite rare to experience street harassment. Women often report feeling safe while walking around even during late hours. As always, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant, but Spanish citizens are generally respectful and unintrusive. However, instances can happen in any place worldwide, so keeping a level of cautiousness is advisable.

Petty crimes:Low

The Canary Islands is generally considered safe for travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and cell phone theft do occur, primarily in tourist-heavy areas and crowded places. But, taking standard security precautions could curb most of these risks.

Tap water:Safe

In the Canary Islands, the tap water is considered safe to drink from a public health perspective. However, as it's desalinated sea water, it doesn’t taste pleasant due to high mineral and salt content. Therefore, it's usually used for cleaning and washing, not drinking. To ensure hydration, it's recommended to buy bottled water.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.3 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

2/5

Solo travel experience

I loved Tenerife and the Volcanic park (which I spent all day at hiking around - I rented a car). La laguna had a really nice historic section of the town. I stayed at the H10 Gran Tinerife which I liked since it was on the beach and had 2 great pools and the buffets were excellent plus it was easy to walk to the boat tour nearby at Puerto Colon.

Posted: December 1, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

All of the Canary Islands are wonderful and very safe. I’ve been to them all, Tenerife is my favourite, Gran Canaria my least. Beautiful weather all year round (sometimes very windy). El Medano & Golf Del Sur are my favourite places.

Posted: November 26, 2022
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was 7 weeks in Fuerteventura. Amazing and beautiful! I loved Cotillo. Accommodations are expensive & short term. A surfers' paradise. Food is cheap & delicious. I was also in La Gomera. Beautiful nature. Expensive. German vibe. Did not stay.

Posted: November 19, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Canary Islands

Sabina

Sabina

Speaking

About Me

My name is Sabina! I'm 20 years old and I'm from La Gomera, Canary Islands. I'm on Erasmus in Brussels and I would like to take the opportunity to visit the neighbouring countries and some more. I really enjoy travelling and meeting new people, I am very enthusiastic about getting to know new cultures and ways of living life. This year I would like to believe on a personal level and I think there is no better way than travelling and getting to know other women's stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇩🇪 Germany

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L.

L.

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, My name is L. and I'm interested in backpacking, books, animals, cycling, diving, history, hiking, photography, science, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, van life, trekking, writing, solo travel, nightlife and languages

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Local discussions

TravelWhich island do you recommend for first-timers to the Canary Islands?

I’m planning a trip to the Canary Islands for Christmas and I’ve never been there before. Which island do you think is the best for first timers or which one is the most beautiful? I would also appreciate some recommendations for things to do while I’m there. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Posted: November 1, 2022
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Safety in Spain